Sudan’s military alliance with Eritrea could ignite tribal conflicts in eastern Sudan as various armed groups align with the Sudanese Armed Forces. The visit of Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan to Eritrea has intensified concerns about armed factions’ militarization and potential clashes among tribes, stressing the importance of regional stability amidst ongoing tensions.
The recent military alliance between Sudan and Eritrea raises concerns regarding the potential for igniting tribal conflict within eastern Sudan. Sudan’s Sovereignty Council leader, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, visited Eritrea, where he and President Isaias Afwerki discussed military coordination and economic partnerships. While Eritrea pledges support for Sudan, there is significant apprehension over the involvement of various armed groups in the region, particularly those operating from Eritrea. These groups’ alignment with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) could expand the existing conflict into a broader tribal confrontation, threatening regional stability.
Eastern Sudan has become a focal point of unrest, where multiple armed factions, including the Eastern Battalion and the Beja Congress, have begun aligning with the SAF. Eritrea’s provision of training camps has fortified these groups, facilitating militarization in the region. The strategic significance of eastern Sudan, home to key Red Sea ports and rich resources, has heightened fears of escalating tribal tensions amid Sudan’s ongoing internal struggles. Furthermore, Eritrea’s commitment to maintaining military readiness signifies its pivotal role in regional stability amid potential conflict spillover.
In conclusion, while the Sudan-Eritrea alliance could enhance military cooperation and economic ties, it also carries the substantial risk of exacerbating existing tribal conflicts in eastern Sudan. The militarization of local factions, supported by Eritrea, threatens to transform the SAF-RSF conflict into a wider tribal struggle, posing a significant threat to both national and regional stability. Observers must remain vigilant to the dynamics at play and the implications for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
